Korean Job Discussion Forums

[elemgarak]

Yesterday (9th Nov �06) I returned from Osaka, Japan on an economical Visa run. Before leaving I�d found a wealth of information on line regarding the run, but none of it seems to reflect just how easy it really is (plus some of it is getting quite old now). So the following is an account of my recommendations from start to finish.

Make sure you have the following:
1. Visa Confirmation Number,
2. Passport Photo,
3. Name and Address of Employer,
4. At least 150,000W (15,000Y) for expenses
E.G. Visa cost/Accommodation/Transport/Food etc

(You MUST exchange Won for Yen BEFORE YOU LEAVE)

To The Airport:

Getting to Incheon International Airport from Incheon or Seoul is easy by bus. The Airport Limousine buses regularly run along many of the main roads. Look around for blue bus stops with a picture of a plane at the top. They are labelled in English for the airport anyway.

From southern Incheon it cost me 6,500W and took just over an hour. From Seoul it is apparently up to 9,000W and can take up to two hours depending on traffic.

Incheon is an efficient airport. Check in procedure is quick, simple and self-explanatory. The flight lasts around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

At Kansai Airport:

Japanese immigration can take a long time � expect a queue up to 45min. Then proceed from there through the customs security check and into the arrival section.

Once through the arrival doors, walk ahead and the information desk and turn left just after it to go up the escalator (for the train into Osaka).

Turn right at the top and walk across the overpass towards the train ticket area. Go to the booth (on your left) and ask for a ticket to Namba station. The �Rapid� Express costs 1400Y taking 30 minutes, and the regular service costs 890Y and takes around 45mins.

With your ticket, walk through the passenger gates behind you and down the stairs to the train platforms below. (The blue line to Namba).

[There is NO great rush to get there on time. The consulate will accept applications after lunch (11:30 � 1:30). Don�t waste time, but a morning arrival gives you plenty of time]

In Namba Station:

Namba is really not THAT complicated. Follow the crowds off the train through the passanger gates (have ticket ready).

Follow the yellow signs (directly ahead) for �Midusuji and ShinsaibashiSuji� and the North Exit. This will take you past some shops, down an escalator or two, and out onto the street. Simple.

To The Embassy:

Once outside you can see the massive �ToHo� cinema in front of you, with a main road down its left side (heading away from the station) � this is Midusuji. This goes all the way to the embassy.

Walk to that road and proceed down the left-hand side. You will pass the Shin-Kabuki Theatre (a big, old building) and a Subway (sandwich shop), before walking under a large bridge.

Continue onwards past subway exit 25, and a McDonalds, and then over the river (you will see a large yellow fairground wheel on your right).

Continue for just 100 metres more and the Korean Consulate is on your left, with a large Korean flag outside and two sullen looking security guards. Easy wasn�t it?

Inside the Embassy:

Go up the steep, post-modern looking staircase, and once inside head for the read of the office. At the window at the far end there is a tray full of Visa forms. Fill one in!

Take a window service number from the machine (small & grey) set against the corner of the counters, near the entrance.

When your number comes up, see the staff at the window and give your Visa number, completed form, photo, and passport.

You will be told to go to another machine (white) opposite the entrance for a Visa ticket (you pay your 6,000Y into here for your Visa) � press the appropriate number (you will be told).

Return to the window for your �Visa Receipt� and you shall be told to return the next day (preferably in the morning when it is less busy).

The next day, take a number as before and at the same window give them your receipt. You shall have your approved visa and passport back within minutes.

[The Visa is activated on re-arrival into Korea, but must be approved at the Immigration Office in Seoul within 90 days. Speak to your director about this]

Accommodation:

If you were like me and on a budget, you will want the cheapest place to stay in Osaka. That is The Capsule Inn, on Asahi Plaza. Look it up yourselves, but you get what the name implies. A capsule containing a bed, light and TV for 2,700Y per night. Check out is at 10am and 500Y every hour is charged after that. Breakfast of salad, egg, toast and coffee is 400Y (but be quick and early).

From the embassy, turn left as you come out and walk 150 metres � up to Tomorrow Land department store on your left. Turn left here.

Follow this street of bohemian style clothes, jewellery and music stores for about 100m and you will reach the plaza. It has vending machines outside & a fountain.

Take your first left here.

20 metres on the right is The Capsule Inn (yellow sign). It sits beneath a large irregularly shaped tower block and opposite �King Kong� record store.

I hope this is some help to at least a handful of people out there. If you have any questions let me know. On the other side of Midusuji is Shinsaibashi Suji � this is a THE place to shop and is one long, sheltered row of shops.

For a good night out, check out Murphy�s Bar on the other side of ShinsaibashiSuji. Mine�s a Bulmers!

[happygirl]

this should be a sticky!

[just because]

Fantastic write-up...however i am not a budget traveller when it comes to sleeping but for people who like to save then this is good info.

Just one point

[elemgarak]

Thanks for the comment

This was the first time and didnt have chance to bounce it off other teachers. I've only been here three weeks. Yeah, must have been a bad day.


(How do I make this a sticky then?)
(and how do I read my posts without having to sift through the mass of messages on here?)

[Hotpants]

There's already a sticky for visa runs...